Financial Topics Newsletter
Brought to you compliments of Steven Stanganelli, CRPC® CFP®

March 2009   Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Top 8 Reasons to Use ETFs in Your Portfolio
A Lower Cost Alternative to Mutual Funds
http://www.etfguide.com/
by Steven J. Stanganelli, CRPC®, CFP®

While the market for open-end mutual funds is huge, the market for ETFs is large and poised for growth that may rival mutual funds. As of 2009 there was approximately $500 billion invested and Morgan Stanley predicts that more than $2 trillion will be invested through ETFs by 2011.

Why are these investment vehicles becoming so popular? How can an individual investor use these to implement a cost-efficient diversified investment portfolio?
[FULL STORY]
 

Finding a Balance between Risk and Return
One of the most basic investment principles is that returns reward you for the risks that you take. While investors are often uncomfortable with the concept of risk, it is this uncertainty that makes higher rates of return possible. Some basic investment principles related to risk and return include...
[FULL ARTICLE]
 
What's a Reasonable Rate of Return?
How do you know if you're saving enough for a future goal? You must get three factors right - how much you need, when you need the money, and how much you'll earn on your investments. You can then calculate how much you should save on an annual basis.
[FULL ARTICLE]
 
Make Pension Decisions Carefully
In the past, a retiree typically received a monthly pension check and Social Security benefits. Now, it's not uncommon for a retiree to have a pension plan, a couple of 401(k) plans, some individual retirement accounts (IRAs), personal savings, possibly some deferred compensation, and maybe an annuity. Deciding how to handle all of those different income sources in the most advantageous manner is a daunting task.
[FULL ARTICLE]
 
Does Buy and Hold Still Make Sense?
We all know the basics - design an asset allocation plan, ignore market fluctuations, and stick with the plan for the long term. In other words, become a buy-and-hold investor. But in an era where everything seems to change overnight, is it realistic to expect to find investments you'll be comfortable owning for years or even decades
[FULL ARTICLE]
 
Assisting Your Parents with Their Finances
Discussing financial matters with your parents can be difficult. You don't want to seem concerned about how much money they may eventually leave you, while they may fear you are interfering in their lives. Yet, without discussing these matters beforehand, you may have trouble finding financial records or determining their wishes if you need to take over their finances.
[FULL ARTICLE]
 

My highest priority is getting you where you want to be. If it's an important goal for you, then it's important to me to help get you there. Whether you need a road map for retirement investing or want an answer to a specific financial challenge, I am available.

My goal is to provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have entrusted your financial future to a team of experienced professionals that cares about making your dreams a reality - regardless of the size of your portfolio.

I work with retirees, busy professionals and growing families who are motivated to achieve financial success or need help with the challenges that result from a life changing event.

For more than 18 years I have been involved in helping individuals and organizations tackle complex financial issues through a progressive career in mortgage banking. For the last ten years I have focused my practice on all aspects of retirement and investment planning and have published articles on a variety of financial planning issues.

I am a CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR(sm) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professional. I earned a Master of Science degree in Finance from Bentley College and an undergraduate honors degree from the University of Massachusetts.

Based on my credentials, education, and fee only practices I also hold a five-star quality rating from the Paladin Registry, earned by fewer than 3% of planners in the country.

I am never too busy to help you or someone you know and care about.

Feel free to contact me via e-mail at
steve@focus-capital.com

or visit my Web site
www.focus-capital.com

 

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Copyright © 2009 Focus Capital Wealth Management. All rights reserved.
Some information provided in this newsletter was prepared by Integrated Concepts. This newsletter intends to offer factual and up-to-date information on the subjects discussed, but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects. Professional advisers should be consulted before implementing any options presented. No party assumes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions or reliance on or use of this material.
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